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Zimmermann, Nats not close to contract agreement

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WASHINGTON -- Right-hander Jordan Zimmermann remains the only member of the Nationals who could go to arbitration next month. Zimmermann filed at $5.8 million, while the Nationals want to pay the righty $4.6 million.

To hear Zimmermann tell it, the two parties are not close to a deal.

"We are kind of hung up right now. We'll see what happens," Zimmermann said. "We definitely want to get this deal done and move on. If we have to go [to arbitration], we are ready to go. Obviously, we have a pretty strong case. We'll see what happens."

Zimmermann also said that he would be interested in a multi-year deal, but wants to get the one-year deal done first.

"If the multi-year deal comes and it's the right deal, we'll take it. If not, we'll definitely wait," Zimmermann said.

Zimmermann had a very solid season last year, going 12-8 with a 2.94 ERA and 153 strikeouts. While he was hit hard in his only start in the postseason, Zimmermann also made a relief appearance against the Cardinals and pitched one solid inning and struck the side in a 2-1 victory in Game 4.

Zimmermann said his goal for 2013 is to reach 200 innings and to win at least 16 games. As far as the team goes, he wants to see the Nationals win their first World Series title.

"I'm ready to get back at it, forget about last year and move on," Zimmermann said.